Cheesy Meatball Subs are the perfect comfort food, packed with juicy meatballs, melted cheese, and a soft, toasty roll. Every bite is full of rich, meaty flavor mixed with gooey, stretchy cheese that just sticks to your fingers in the best way. It’s simple but so satisfying, making it a favorite for any day of the week.
I love making these because they’re easy to put together and everyone always asks for seconds. The secret for me is letting the cheese get nice and melty over the meatballs—that little stretch of cheese just makes everything feel extra cozy and delicious. Plus, the sauce is the perfect mix of tangy and sweet to bring all the flavors together.
My favorite way to enjoy these subs is after a busy day, with a side of crispy fries or a fresh green salad to balance things out. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug and hits the spot no matter what. Whenever I make these, it turns into a mini party at the table because everyone just lights up when they take that first big bite.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Using a mix of beef and pork gives the meatballs more flavor and moisture. If you want a leaner option, try all ground turkey or chicken but watch the cooking time—they can dry out faster.
Breadcrumbs: These help hold the meatballs together and keep them soft. You can swap in crushed crackers, oats, or gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
Parmesan Cheese: It adds a nice salty depth. If you don’t have Parmesan, Pecorino Romano or even a bit of sharp cheddar works well.
Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite jarred sauce or homemade. For a twist, add extra garlic or herbs to personalize the flavor.
Mozzarella Cheese: Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully here, but shredded part-skim mozzarella is a good everyday choice. Provolone or fontina are tasty alternatives.
How Do You Make Meatballs Soft and Flavorful, Not Dry and Tough?
The key is gentle mixing and adding ingredients that lock in moisture and flavor. Here’s how I do it:
- Mix gently: Combine your ingredients until just mixed to avoid tough meatballs.
- Use an egg and breadcrumbs: They act as binders, keeping the meatballs tender.
- Don’t overcook: Brown the meatballs in the pan, then simmer in sauce to finish cooking. This keeps them juicy.
- Simmer in sauce: Letting meatballs cook in marinara absorbs extra flavor and helps prevent dryness.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – perfect for combining all your meatball ingredients without making a mess.
- Nonstick skillet – great for browning meatballs evenly without sticking or breaking them.
- Medium saucepan – use it to simmer meatballs gently in marinara sauce for tender results.
- Baking sheet – holds the assembled subs while the cheese melts in the oven.
- Sharp knife – for slicing hoagie rolls cleanly without crushing them.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version that still tastes great.
- Add chopped fresh basil or oregano to the sauce to boost the herb flavor.
- Mix shredded provolone or fontina with mozzarella for a richer, meltier cheese topping.
- Include sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers inside the subs for extra texture and flavor.
How to Make Cheesy Meatball Subs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 4 hoagie or sub rolls
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Olive oil, for cooking
Time Needed
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and cook the meatballs, plus an additional 10 minutes simmering in sauce and 5-7 minutes baking the assembled subs. In total, you’ll need roughly 40 minutes to enjoy these delicious cheesy meatball subs.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Meatballs
In a large bowl, gently mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Be careful not to overmix, so the meatballs stay tender.
2. Shape the Meatballs
Form the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs, around 12 to 16 in total. Try to make them evenly sized so they cook at the same rate.
3. Cook the Meatballs
Heat a splash of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook them, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through—this should take about 8 to 10 minutes. Once done, remove them from heat.
4. Simmer in Sauce
Place the cooked meatballs into a pot with the marinara sauce. Let them simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes. This helps the meatballs soak up the delicious sauce flavors.
5. Prepare the Rolls
While the meatballs simmer, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the hoagie rolls lengthwise, and if you want, hollow out some of the bread inside to make room for the filling.
6. Assemble the Subs
Spoon a good amount of marinara sauce on the bottom half of each roll. Add 3 to 4 meatballs per sub, making sure to include some sauce with each.
7. Add Cheese and Bake
Top each sub with shredded mozzarella cheese. Place them on a baking sheet and bake in the oven for 5 to 7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Garnish and Serve
Take the subs out of the oven, sprinkle with some chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color, and serve right away. You can also add extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping if you like.
Can I Use Frozen Meatballs for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just thaw frozen meatballs completely before simmering them in the marinara sauce. This ensures they heat evenly and soak up plenty of flavor.
What’s the Best Bread to Use for Meatball Subs?
Soft hoagie or sub rolls work best because they hold the meatballs and sauce well without falling apart. You can also try Italian rolls or baguettes for a different texture.
How Can I Make These Subs Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the meatballs and sauce in advance and refrigerate them for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, assemble the subs with cheese and bake until bubbly.
How Should I Store Leftover Meatball Subs?
Wrap leftovers tightly in foil or place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of marinara to keep them moist.
